I mentioned recently that I was finding running really hard. I was feeling bogged down by the late summer heat combined with the stress of moving. I knew I was not running well and my heart wasn’t in it. Looking for something to force me back into my comfortable running pace and distance, I challenged myself to run a 10k race every week of November. This was either going to be the dumbest thing I’ve done or the smartest. Let’s take a look at my 10K November.
MCM 10K
This was a tough one! It was hot and it was hilly and even this Super Girl had a tough time. I had to walk for a few minutes up one of the hills. I was completely wiped out the rest of day and had some pretty sore hamstrings. How was I in such bad running shape?
Run For The Parks 10K
Perfect weather and a flat course through DC. I felt better than I have in months and was able to really pick up my pace quite a bit from the week before. This was the best race of the 4 for me. Starting to feel like my old self again. No post race soreness at all and lots of energy.
Veteran’s Day 10K
5 days later took on this half trail half hilly road race. Having done this course before, I knew it was not a speedy course but I felt pretty good. No soreness at all and was much less tired.
Thanksgiving Turkey Chase 10K
Unfortunately, I developed some kind of weird cough a few days before and almost bailed that morning. I sucked it up and made it through in better shape than I had expected. Kept a consistent pace and finished strong. Great way to start Thanksgiving Day!
The Verdict:
In essence, I used the 10K’s as speed work. Had I just gone out and run 6 miles on my own I know I would not have pushed myself the same way. Although I have not gotten all of my speed back yet, I do see lots of improvement in pace and recovery.
I have gotten my 6 mile base back! I like to keep a 6 mile base in the winter when I am not really training for anything and then ramp up for spring races.
Although I don’t weigh myself at all anymore, I feel like I am in better shape and my clothes are fitting a little better.
I would not recommend this strategy for everyone but my 10K November did help me get my running mojo back when I really needed it most.
Ever raced 4 weeks in row? What’s next on your race schedule?
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I love a good 10k, and I think it was a great way for you to get your mojo back (obviously)–and good for you, as the temps start to plummet, lol
I am feeling much better now and just need to keep it up through the winter
You’re lucky to live in an area where you can find a 10k every week! I do love the distance though and it is great for speed work!
We had a bunch of them last month and now we are pretty much shut out until February around here so I had to take advantage while I could
I like that 6 mile distance for my base as well! Glad you found your mojo again. There’s nothing better than a little speedwork to put that pep back in your step.
Yes I agree now I just need to keep it up!
What did you think of the MCM 10k? That’s on my bucket list since I’m sticking with 10ks, but all write ups I find are on the marathon.
So honestly they changed the course this past year and I did not love it. It was all up hill the first few miles and very crowded. Not sure I would do it again
They all sound like fun events. I’m doing a Santa 10K on Dec 10th with my 13 year-old son…. It will be his first 10K…. He is not practicing at all. I think he thinks since he has done a couple of 5K’s, doing a 10k will be no big deal. He’s going to learn a lesson very soon.
You know it’s one of those lessons he has to learn on his own. I remember a similar race with my son a few years back. Have a great time together!
I don’t race 10kms very often but they are fun and I definitely would push myself harder than running it on my own. Great idea and great job on your races.
thanks it was just what I needed this month!
Wow, that’s awesome! I can see how racing shorter distances, like 5ks or 10ks, would be a great way to focus on speedwork!
I hope it has done the trick!
So jealous of all your 10ks- we don’t have a lot around here 🙁 Happy you’re feeling better about running and didn’t get discouraged! What a great way to keep yourself going!
Thanks working on it!
Glad to hear that your month of running 10ks helped you find your mojo. Its natural for us to all go through swings with our running, or any activity for that matter.
It is for sure! I forget that sometimes
I am happy to see you are getting your running mojo back! Hopefully this winter won’t be too harsh for running conditions.
Thanks I certainly hope so!
i love this idea! I may try it when my back heals up! great job!!
It was exactly what I needed!
Way to go with all those races! When I was trying to qualify for the NYC Marathon through New York Road Runner’s 9+1 program (run 9 of their races and volunteer at 1), I ran different distance races every weekend in April. It was a bit crazy, but it was a fun way to get miles in and qualify!
Yes that is fun and yes a little crazy!
Way to go with all those 10ks! I’ll have to look into that Run for the Parks 10k, it looks like a good one.
It would be great for you to do next year!
I’ve never raced four weeks in a row, but my husband and I used to run three marathons over four weeks. We did that for three or four years. It was easy some years and tough some years.
Great experiment, and it sounds like you learned a lot! I have to say that the 10K is my least favorite distance. I feel that I need to run really hard since it’s a shorter distance, but I have trouble pacing myself and not starting out too fast.
Wow that’s a lot of marathons in a month! I find I have more of a pacing problem in a 5k I start too fast and then I am not really warmed up until the end.
Way to go and push through! It’s really hard when your heart isn’t in it but that was a great challenge and I bet just as big if not bigger mentally than physically.
Yes exactly!
Gosh, I can’t even imagine running four races in a month, that’s pretty phenomenal. It seems like it worked for you if you’ve got your mojo back, congrats!
It was either going to go really well or be a complete disaster!
You ran some fun ones! A 10K is a perfect distance to keep your base up. Last year I was injured with my feet and didn’t get to run as much, but the year before I ran one every week during the winter and felt great by Spring time 🙂
Wow that’s ambitious! I may do that in the spring as well
You’re so dedicated, good for you girl to keep pushing
Thanks so much!
This is SO inspiring! Congrats on completing this marathon!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thanks
woot woot!!!! I”m glad you got your mojo back 😉 I think 10K’s are great for what you did…they’re not too far, but they are long enough to give you just enough of a challenge to up the pace without staging an injury 😉 Now…when do you wanna come to Iowa and run one with me? 😉
Oh how much fun would that be?!
Sometimes mini goals (using your 10’s as speed work) is just what you need! I love running 10k’s.
They really are a great distance aren’t they?!
I love 10ks! And I love this strategy! Great way to keep a good baseline for when racing season starts again!
Thanks so much just wish I could find another one before February
That’s great! As you know, I very often use races as training and a way to stay accountable and force myself to get out there. Glad you’re feeling better and hope you are settled in!
yes I know I have about you doing something similar. It can be really helpful huh!
Go. You! I think this is so awesome. I am focusing on getting my running groove back. It’s tough. I think I’m going to focus completely on 5ks next year.
That sounds like a great plan! Look forward to reading about your progress
That’s great, Deborah. I’m not sure I could race a 10K every week (it’s my least favorite race distance) but definitely building that base is awesome. Nice work!
Thanks so much I am definitely feeling better
Wow girl! Way to go finding what pushes you and also lets you have a good time! I know having a goal like a 10K helps me push myself harder for my time and stay accountable too….well, not for running – but for something like a push up challenge coming up or something.
Yes definitely this strategy can work for all kinds of things. I need to join the push up challenge!
I love that you did this and am glad that it worked out so well for you! I’ve only done two races in a row (back to back weekends). I’ve eyed the Pacers 5K series before, but after work is always tough for me.
Yes that is a tough one for sure with the Friday nights. Now I am looking for something else to keep me motivated until spring. I’ve got an indoor tri in January-you should come!
Four 10K races in a month is awesome! What a great way to get back into your groove.
It really did help thanks!
Four races in a row? Way to go!
It sounds like you have definitely gotten your mojo back!
I hope so! 😍
I’m jealous of all your 10Ks! Those are my favorites!
I think I have done four races in a month at some point. I feel like there have been some crazy busy months in the last few years, but I would definitely have to go back to check for sure.
Up next? The Ragnar Trail Relay. Eek.
Ragnar is such a blast although I have not done the trail race. Have fun!!
Good girl for sucking it up even though you had a cough! I never let sickness or pain get in the way of my exercise! 😉
Gotta keep going!
Congrats on your accomplishment. 4 weeks in a row is a lot! Just reading that makes me tired. It is always good idea to use a race as speed work. I don’t find I do that enough during a weekly workout on my own, but like you said we are forced to do so in a race.
Exactly I think it’s good to do once in a while!
Unfortunately, I’m not a runner. And running 4 races in one month sounds just wow. Good for you for making things work for you and getting your running game back. Others may have just given up.
Thanks Chrissy!
so happy to hear that you are running again,,
Thanks so glad to be feeling better about it
Deborah – I have been feeling the same way lately. The heat and humidity here in Florida is really putting a damper on my running and pace (!) sometimes. I think you made the right decision by signing up for races anyway and by keeping a consistency of 6 Milers throughout your Winter training.
I wished I could join you on some these cooler runs! Keep running my friend!
Thanks I wish you could too although I could never keep up!
I just finished racing 4 weeks in a row and I’m glad to have a month without a plan before I start training for Boston. I like your philosophy. Sometimes when you’re in a rut, you need drastic measures to shake yourself free 🙂
Go, girl!
Thanks so much!
Wow I don’t think I could even do a 10K every month much less every week, haha! Such a fun goal though 🙂
Yes you could so do it!
I plan 10k for this month too. I know it’s hard during the holiday. But running will helps my body always look good and fit on dresses for holiday.